By Anjali Hegde | Executive Director
Udayan Shalini Fellowship program (USF) of Udayan Care is a unique academic excellence and personality development program for deserving and talented girls from weak socio-economic backgrounds aiming to turn them into empowered and dignified women or Shalinis. It is unique because it goes beyond being a usual scholarship program by not only supporting higher education but also providing regular mentoring and leadership development and inculcating a sense of social responsibility in them.
In the three months, the Shalinis actively engaged in both in-person and virtual sessions and events organized by USF, fostering academic and extracurricular growth. Face-to-face mentor interactions and workshop participation have created a sense of togetherness among Shalinis. The program consistently supports Shalinis and their families, guiding them in skill development and preparation for professional life. These Workshops covered various topics like Positive Language, Career Awareness, and Communication, equipping Shalinis to pass on their knowledge, etc. Additionally, practical exposure to the corporate world was offered through visits to various companies and institutions. New mentors, including dedicated alumnae, are joining the program, further enhancing the mentoring process. Donors and partners have played a crucial role in supporting the Shalinis, and their continued assistance is vital for advancing girls' education and expanding outreach.
Workshops with Shalinis:
Employability Workshops
Date No. of Shalinis Attended Topics covered
19th Nov 2023 42 Team Work
19th Nov 2023 70 Non-Verbal Communication
19th Nov 2023 62 Foundation - Values
26th Nov 2023 65 Alternative use of the Internet
14th Jan 2024 62 Planning and Goal Setting
14th Jan 2024 65 Emotional Intelligence
14th Jan 2024 59 Exploring Popular Career Options
21st January 2024 32 Personal Finance Management
Details:
Throughout the quarter, the North Delhi chapter organized a series of employability workshops aimed at empowering participants with essential skills and knowledge for their professional development. These workshops covered a wide range of topics, including teamwork, non-verbal communication, foundational values, and the alternative uses of internet. Participants also delved into areas such as planning and goal setting, emotional intelligence, and exploring popular career options. Additionally, workshops on personal finance management provided valuable insights into financial literacy and responsible money management. Each session was meticulously designed to enhance participants' employability prospects, equipping them with the tools and expertise needed to succeed in their chosen career paths.
Small Group Workshop
Date No. of Shalinis Attended Topics covered
24th Nov 2023 60 Inter-personal skills
26th Nov 2023 94 Self-Awareness
18th Dec 2023 55 Session on Mental Health by Sisters Living
3rd Dec 2023 82 Session on 16 Days of Activism
Details:
The chapter hosted a series of small group workshops focused on various aspects of personal and professional growth. These workshops aimed at inter-personal skills, fostering community engagement and social impact initiatives. Additionally, sessions on self-awareness provided participants with opportunities for introspection and personal development. The chapter also organized a session on mental health in collaboration with Sisters Living organization, offering valuable insights and resources for promoting mental well-being. Moreover, the workshop on the "16 Days of Activism" raised awareness about gender-based violence and advocacy efforts to combat such issues. Each small group workshop was thoughtfully curated to address specific areas of interest and empower participants with knowledge and skills relevant to their holistic development.
Quarterly Workshop
Date No. of Shalinis Attended Remarks
10th Dec 2023 190 Formulating Opinions
Details:
A session on formulating opinions was conducted by the valuable volunteers, the session was all about how we judge people based upon different opinions and it’s impact. The session was to help and understand Shalinis that opinion differences can be anywhere but it should not lead to a major fight or gap between people.
Mentor-Mentee Session
Throughout the quarter, 418 mentorship sessions were conducted, facilitating invaluable guidance and support for individuals seeking personal and professional development. These sessions were made possible through the active participation of 174 dedicated mentors and mentor didis, who shared their expertise. Their commitment to nurturing talent and empowering mentees contributed significantly to the program's success. In total, 630 mentees had the opportunity to engage in these enriching mentorship sessions, benefiting from mentorship relationships that fostered growth, learning, and mutual exchange.
Giving Back to the Society
Date No. of Shalinis Participated Remarks
December 2023 80 Social Media and In-person Campaigns, Rally, Drives, Awareness
10th December 2023 72 Human Rights Day Celebration
21st January 2024 150 Waste Management and Environment Conservation
Details:
The Shalinis participated in different campaigns related to 16 days of activism, World AIDS Day, Waste Management, and Human Rights Day. They also participated within their school, colleges, and communities. They distributed clothes, food materials, chocolates and candies to the needy people and children. They further participated in the social work campaign and cleanliness drive at two parks in the locality of North Delhi chpater. The event was a remarkable experience for each Shalini, actively contributing to raising awareness in the local community and giving back to the society through their valuable efforts.
Additional Activities
Date No. of Shalinis Attended Remarks
5th Dec 2023 36 Corporate Visit at Cognizant
Details:
The event started with a campus tour. Girls attended the session by Cognizant employees which was focused on global IT industry outlook, types of IT organizations etc. The event followed motivational speech of Cognizant's senior leaders. Shalinis also had a focused group discussion with their volunteers with a ratio of 2:1 on making a professional LinkedIn profile and how to make an effective resume. They were told the Do's and Don'ts of making an impressive resume.
Success Story
Name of the Shalini: Neha Raj (name changed)
Batch: 18
Neha comes from a family of five members, including her parents and two sisters. She is the middle child. Her educational background includes pursuing B.Com final year and Chartered Account (CA).
Neha's journey with USF began with the initial exam followed by a successful interview. Attending sessions at Udayan Care has been a source of motivation for her. Through the fellowship, she found clarity in her career path and pursued CA. With USF's support, Neha cleared the foundation level and progressed to the intermediate exams. Additionally, she continued her graduation alongside her CA studies. Participating in USF's induction process and various workshops further enriched her experience.
Presently, Neha is balancing her job with her studies. Fortunately, her job allows her ample time to focus on her educational pursuits.
USF has been a true blessing in Neha's life. It provided her with the opportunity to soar higher despite her modest financial background. She credits USF and her fellow Shalinis for where she stands today. It was through USF's support that she secured her current job, and she is committed to excelling in her CA journey. She is immensely grateful to USF and the entire team for their unwavering support and guidance.
Links:
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